Namibia Berries is planning to invest N$1.5 billion over 7 years into an export production blueberry project on the outskirts of Divundu.
The 250-hectare blueberry farm, according to the Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board (NIPDB), will employ nearly 800 people and create 7000 jobs during the harvest seasons.
Currently, 30 new employees are being trained for the planting season expected to commence in four weeks.
Namibia Berries expects to export its first harvest in September 2024.
The project is being spearheaded by Loxworth Capital, a Cape Town-based venture capital company.
Recently, the company announced that it had secured investments from two prominent agribusinesses from Spain: Puliberries SL and Agricola SL for the planned Namibia blueberry project, which aims to diversify production to include blackberries.
“This exciting partnership, which also involves other European investors, aims to expand development and diversify production to include blackberries, as well as additional established sales channels. The impact of this collaboration on the Namibian economy cannot be overstated, as it will create numerous opportunities for local people, especially women from the surrounding community, who will receive extensive training and employment,” the venture capital company said in an update.
Königstein Capital, through its investment vehicle Spitz Capital, is currently growing blueberries at Mashare Green Scheme.
So far the company has invested over N$100 million and is planning to increase its investment to over N$1 billion in the next 10 years.
